"To Go Out With!?!"

Lately when we get home from work and school I've been making an effort to leave the TV off, leave the cell phone (and facebook) alone and focus on asking the boys some one-on-one specific questions about their day. I've really been enjoying this until yesterday. I've known for a few months that certain girls in Aiden's class like him. I even heard him use the word "girlfriend" once or twice. I asked him what "girlfriend" meant to a first grader. He said that just meant they play more together and smile a lot. Ok, I can live with that. However, yesterday when I specifically asked him about this girl he says, "Well Mom. Mason told Ali that I wanted 'to go out with' her when I really told Bryce ..." I have no clue what he said after that. He lost me at "to go out with." Lost me to the point that I didn't know if I should cry or puke. I held back the tears until he was done with the story, but quickly got up from the couch to gain my composure. I'm still trying to gain it. When did first graders start talking about going out withe someone? And where would they go!?! Ugh. I'm not ready for this. And with his handsome looks, it's going to get worse, I know.

Oh Brother

'Tis the season for Christmas parties. I'm a member of our local Rotary Club and have enjoyed our Christmas party for the last two years. They do a great job of gearing it towards the kids. For instance, the meal is chicken nuggets, corn, mac and cheese and cookies. Perfect for all kiddos. Santa makes a visit also. My boys were so excited to see him. When Santa made his big entrance, he stopped at each table for a personal visit. When he got to our table he stopped behind Logan and asked, "Have you been a good boy or have you been fighting with your brother?" Logan quickly replied, "My been a good boy. My brudder should be on the naughty list!" (Obviously I was trying to type like Logan spoke ... did you pick up on that?) Isn't that funny? I guess that's what brothers are for: throwing one another under the bus. HA!

Can it be?

Can it be that I am actually posting twice in less than a month! HAHA!
I wish I had more to write about today, but things are just as crazy as ever. Both boys stayed home from school/daycare/preschool due to fevers, runny/stuffy noses and coughs. They seem much better today, however they decided to share this with Mommy. I don't have the fever, but I feel like someone is sitting on my chest! I've been drinking DayQuil today like I normally drink sweet tea! Funny and sad.

Marcus and I haven't started Christmas shopping yet this year. Looks like maybe we'll go this weekend. To be honest, I'm just not in the mood. Things are tight ... very tight and I just feel like some of this hustle and bustle just isn't worth it. We have really been enjoying spending time with family and friends and I'd be perfectly happy just doing that the entire season. However I have two little boys that would not be thrilled about that. Good thing is that we are diligent in talking about what the real reason for the season is. They both seem to grasp that it's Jesus's birthday and that is why we are celebrating. I am not against them believing in Santa, but Santa never brings them the biggest gift. And they do not seem to care too much about it. They love leaving out the cookies and carrots (so does Daddy), and I am ok with all of that.

We did go around our little city the other night looking at Christmas lights. There was one neighborhood that I am 99% sure they have a contest with one another! It was a total different world! There were Santa's on the roof, elves galore, dancing candy canes, lights set to music ... it was awesome! I think we were having as much fun as the boys were!

Take a second to check out the photos on my slideshow. Baby Grace Photography did these for us in October. They have a magic camera ... I'm telling you! I just love all of the pics - even the ones of Gavin crying! Isn't that awful?
~Carrie

So, if the blogging world gave grades for blogging, I'd have an F at this point. I wish I could say it would be the first F I'd ever receive, but that's so not true. Anyway, things have been busy but I guess that's not a great excuse. I mean, everyone's busy these days, right?

Things are going well for us. We had a great Thanksgiving out in Missouri. It was one of the smaller get togethers we've had out there, but it was a welcomed change. We were able to visit on a more one on one level. The boys love it out there and Grandma and Grandpa were doing well.

Both Marcus and I are still working, which in these tough times is a true blessing. We're hoping the steel biz picks up a little in the next few months and the education field is doing steady.

Next up: Christmas. Oh man. Marcus and I had to literally get out our calendars in order to plan a date to go shopping for gifts. Is that sad? With his odd schedule and me working a few nights a month, we're lucky to see each other every day! Anyway, for Christmas Aiden is asking for a Nintendo DS and Logan ... he just wants trucks. Those two crack me up.

Well, I am going to make an effort to update this blog at least twice a week. I may have to scramble for things to talk about, so stick with me!

Talk to you soon ... I hope!
~Carrie

Big Weekend

Hello! Sorry I haven't been keeping this updated very well. Things are busier than ever with work and the boys in school. Sometimes I just want to hide in a hole for some rest!

This weekend was very eventful. Dad's birthday was Saturday and we weren't sure we were going to get to see him. So ... I did a little planning. Jamie's family, Sandy and I were all able to get our schedules in sync to surprise Dad for dinner on Friday night when he got off from work. He and Mom go to Olive Garden a lot, so that's where we were waiting for him. He was clueless and he was thrilled to see all three of his daughter's and grandsons. We had a nice dinner and then me and the boys went back to their house for the night. On Saturday, we headed home and Dad came too. South Whitley had their Fall Festival so we took the boys to ride some rides that evening. Logan's favorite was the ferris wheel and Aiden's was the fun house. Sunday morning Aiden did the 1 mile fun run again this year. He did great! He finished in 8 minutes, 51 seconds (unofficially at this point). That's 23 seconds better than last year! He was very proud of himself too. Enjoy the pics! (please note Logan's enthusiasm in watching the race).

Where did the time go???

It wasn't until our drive home last night that it hit me ... my baby starts preschool tomorrow. GULP. How can this be? Shouldn't I still be teaching him how to feed himself (although if you know Logan - he does still need some more work in that area). I seriously don't know where the time went. With Aiden, the first day of preschool brought up a few emotions, but no tears. With Logan, I cry just thinking about it. I guess because I wasn't fully prepared for this day to come so quickly and because he very well could be the last child I take to preschool for the very first time. Ugh. I am really trying to put my happy face on for him though. He was so excited this afternoon when I went home to see him before taking him. He walked right in and seemed to own the place. I just spoke with him on the phone and he said they ran in circles, sang songs, his face got sweaty and they played. Sounds like a full 2 1/2 hours to me!

Tributes

Hello.

Last week is a week I'd rather forget quite honestly. Let's start off with Friday, August 14th. This is the morning that I received a call that a friend had passed away after a 3 year battle with stomach cancer. I'd met Becca when I was in 7th grade. She my camp counselor at Yellow Creek Lake Camp. I then was reconnected with her when she began attending my church when she came to AU for college. She helped out with the youth group and she and I grew very close. That remained for a few years until she graduated and moved away. Fast forward to 2 years ago when I realized that my good friend Steph and Becca were running partners. Steph invited me to go visit Becca and we had a nice time. Then a year ago Marcus and I moved into Becca's hometown! Small world, right? I did not spend as much time with her as I would have liked. We saw each other at Carol's Corner or at ballgames or community functions. We always shared a hug and a laugh. A few weeks ago, Steph and I went over to Becca's for another visit. We ended up staying nearly 3 hours but we just didn't want it to end. We shared funny stories from our past, stories about how we met our mates, stories about the kids, she shared family photos that she had organized for her kids so they would know their heritage. It was the most perfect visit. We did head back over the night before she passed, but Jade, her husband stopped us and let us know the situation. That was very hard for me. That night I couldn't hug my boys without thinking how short life is. She has two young children also and I can't imagine not seeing them grow up. It all hit home for me that evening. The next morning we received the call. Monday was her viewing and hundreds if not a thousand showed up to pay their respects. Tuesday was her funeral. Of course there was crying, but there was also some laughter. It was almost as if Becca was there conducting it for all of us. One of the neatest tributes to her was when my friend, Steph and the other 5 or 6 ladies that would run with Becca did somewhat of a tribute run for her. They all took a flower from the gravesite and headed for a run down one of Becca's favorite roads to run. I know they had a wonderful time remembering and honoring her. I think that was the coolest idea and so fitting. She truly left her mark her on earth not only through her children and husband, but her good works. I encourage you to check out her blog where you can get a snapshot of the wonderful Godly woman she was. May she rest in peace.

To add to all of the feelings of losing a friend, I found out on Monday that two fellow employees have resigned. One will be done at the beginning of September and the other towards the end. That leaves me as the only recruiter. Ugh. Talk about stress. I've been trying to go with the flow, but it just makes me a bit nervous. Hopefully we'll get someone hired soon and we can get them trained and move on. i will miss Debbie and Susan though.

So - this weekend I just needed to veg. We had two picnics to attend. We had a great time. Marcus also went to a local tattoo parlor and got some new ink. He designed it himself (the tattoo guy perfected it though) and he is very proud of it. As he should be. It looks HUGE in these pics, but it's still small enough that when he has a short sleeved shirt on it is not visible. He wanted this tattoo to represent his faith and our boys. I think it looks great and does just that.

Last thing. Aiden is still really enjoying the 1st grade. We hear a rumor that he has a little girlfriend ... but he's not quite ready to admit that. He does tell us that they play on the monkey bars together though. Cute. We also had a meeting for Logan's preschool. UGH. So weird! Where has the time gone?

Pictures Galore! Vacation and 1st Day of School

Where have you guys been? Wait, what? It's ME that's been missing? It's ME that has neglected this blog? No way! Well ... ok. Maybe you're right!

We have been busy enjoying the last few weeks of summer. We had a great time on Lake Cumberland in KY the last week of July. Lots of pics attached to show just a snapshot of the fun.

Today was Aiden's first day of first grade!!! Can you believe it? I am so not old enough to have a 1st grader ... right? Ugh. He was a bit nervous about the homework load, but I told him that we can do it together and it will be fun (I hope). I just spoke to him and he said his favorite thing they did today was read!!! Great answer!! Anyway ... you KNOW I took lots of pics, so here are some of my favs.

What a Quick Trip!

So, I thought that last weekend was going to be a quiet, relaxing weekend (other than working the 4H booth). Boy was I wrong! Friday night my Granny (my great grandma) was air lifted from one hospital to another due to what they originally thought to be heart issues. My parents were already out in MO so they were with her. All reports were grim. When my dad was in ICU with her, her blood pressure was very low ... like in the 30's low. Mom told me on Saturday that if my schedule allowed we should probably head that way. So, me, Marcus, Jamie and Gavin headed out on Sunday after Jamie got off from working her shift at the ER. I got to sit in the back with Gavin for 400 plus miles. He was sooooo happy this entire trip! It's odd to say we had fun when we were afraid we were going out to tell our Granny good-bye.

Granny did move from the ICU to a regular room on Sunday so that allowed us to spend more time with her on Monday. We were there for several hours and I think all of us felt at peace with what may happen. Her heart and kidneys are only functioning at about 20% at this point. She'll be 89 in October and is no longer a candidate for any other heart procedures. We have yet to hear if she'll start dialysis. Either way, it would be awesome to see her again (probably Thanksgiving will be our next trip) but I know that she has lived and served a great life and seems ready. Of course she is scared, but she wants to go home. She told me that she knows she'll die at home and that's how she wants it. She was released on Tuesday.

We headed home on Tuesday and had an equally great time for another 400 plus miles. Our round trip from Sunday to Tuesday was 1262 miles ... but who's counting???!!! It was really memorable on so many levels and I am grateful that we were able to do it. I've attached some fun pics from the trip. There's even one from Gavin's first bite of Maid Rite! It truly is a right of passage in this family. Oh, and we did not take the boys. It was such a quick trip and they couldn't go back to see her anyway, that we decided against it. I am glad we did. It allowed us to have one on one with Granny.

Night view of St. Louis. It truly was the prettiest I have ever seen it.

Gavin is getting weary on the way to the hospital.


Ugh ... Gavin loooooooved sucking his toes! I think he knew this grossed out Aunt Carrie so he did it even more! Little stinker!

Gavin's first Maid Rite. Mmmmmmmmm...

Just look at that face. There are no words.

I was so glad to have some Aunt Carrie/Gavin time. I love that kid!

Happy Birthday Marcus!!

Today my wonderful husband turns 31!!! (I love mentioning how old he is because for a month there we are the same age. He is now older. WHEW!) Keeping up with my tradition (ok, I've only done it once) here is a list of 31 things I love about you, Marcus. (in no particular order).
**WARNING*** MAY CONTAIN SOME MUSHY-NESS!***

*The way you love our boys.
*How dorky you can be (I know ... some of you are surprised).
*Your honesty.
*Your integrity.
*You pay the bills every month. I never have to worry or balance the checkbook, which is a great thing for all involved.
*Your cooking.
*Your cleaning.
*Your Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (although not truly diagnosed, You have it).
*The fact that you quit smoking 2 1/2 years ago cold turkey and haven't turned back.
*How much you appreciate it when I make you coffee.
*Your work ethic. If people had half of what you do they'd be in good shape.
*Your patience (yes, I know how lucky I am. Most would not put up with me).
*You love every member of your family ... and it's a HUGE family.
*How supportive your are of me. Most would run the other way.
*Your smirk.
*You're quiet, but always aware.
*How when I thought I was dating a "bad boy" that I ended up with the sweetest guy ever.
*How proud you are of me and the boys.
*You listen.
*Your positive thinking.
*Your laugh.
*You're very organized (see OCD)
*You're a fun person to be around.
*You are level-headed (I need this).
*You never let me know if you are worried. You just take care of it.
*You make sure the boys and I always feel safe.
*You works hard to provide for us.
*You know who you are.
*Your pride.
*Practically everything about YOU!!!!
*And lastly ... that I feel he was created just for me. He's exactly what I needed.

I heard this song a few years ago and this is exactly how I feel about you. I love you.
It’s always been a mystery to me How two hearts can come together And love can last forever But now that I have found you, I believe That a miracle has come When God sends the perfect one Now gone are all my questions about why And I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life Chorus: I wonder what God was thinking When He created you I wonder if He knew everything I would need Because He made all my dreams come true When God made you He must have been thinking about me I promise that wherever you may go Wherever life may lead you With all my heart I’ll be there too From this moment on I want you to know I’ll let nothing come between us And I will love the ones you love Now gone are all my questions about why And I have never been so sure of anything in my life Chorus: I wonder what God was thinking When He created you I wonder if He knew everything I would need Because He made all my dreams come true When God made you He must have been thinking about me Bridge: He made the sun He made the moon To harmonize in perfect tune One can’t move without the other They just have to be together And that is why I know it’s true You’re for me and I’m for you Cause my world just can’t be right Without you in my life Chorus: I wonder what God was thinking When He created you I wonder if He knew everything I would need Because He made all my dreams come true Tag chorus: He must have heard every prayer I’ve been praying Yes He knew everything I would need When God made you When dreams come true When God made you He must have been thinking about me.
Song is by the Christian contemporary group Newsong. You can find a CD at Amazon

Summer Hoffman Style

I am sorry I am such a blog slacker these days. We have just been enjoying the sun like never before. Any of you that know me know that I would much rather be inside in the air conditioning rather than out in the heat. I mean ... if not, aren't we just wasting $? Well, this year I've been truly enjoying the time outside. I love that the tv is never on before 9 pm since the sun is out that late. I love watching the boys ride (and crash) their bikes. I love my porch swing. I love watching the birds in our backyard. I love NOT doing my hair (wait ... did I just write that?!?!) I love camping. I love hanging out at the lake. I love not caring about the clock. I love my boys running around without their shirts on (and yes, slathered in sunscreen). I love that I have a flip-flop tan for the first time in years! I love NOT wearing make-up (I know ... another shocker!) I love eating dinner with the family outdoors. Man ... I could go on and on. Instead, I'll just share more pictures from our Summer Hoffman Style. I hope you all are enjoying yourselves at least half as much as we are! If not ... come join us!

Oh... and I forgot to let you all know that Aiden's ankle is

much better and he was allowed to stop wearing the boot on Monday! FREEDOM!